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Heartbreak should never happen to a child

Heartbreak. We all experience it, some of us more than others. But I suppose it just comes with the territory of being human. People break our hearts all the time, intentionally or unintentionally. Even certain circumstances can cause us pain. Life is never fair. But then again, no one ever said it would be. Sadness comes to everyone … eventually. It finds us no matter how hard we may try to escape it. We can lock our doors. Hide under the covers. Change our name. Move away. And still … it finds us. We all experience heartbreak. And yet, it should ...

Guest column/Embracing real clean energy

Unlike our neighboring states of Michigan and Illinois, Ohio’s politicians have not embraced the economic and environmental benefits that solar and wind energy provide. Instead, Ohio’s politicians passed Senate Bill SB52, where communities can effectively block solar and wind projects; something that communities cannot do when it comes to fossil fuel development. Ohio’s energy bill HB15, which passed in May, was stripped of several pro-solar provisions, including a community solar program. This program would have helped poor communities access solar energy. During the past nine ...

Guest column/As days get darker, remember: You’re not alone

As daylight fades and temperatures drop, something quiet but heavy often begins to settle in. The holidays are approaching, and while they may bring bright lights and moments of joy, they can also stir up anxiety, loneliness and stress. In our region, when finances tighten around gift-giving and travel, and when family gatherings bring old wounds or tension to the surface, anxiety and low mood can show up fast. The reality is, this season affects people more than we realize. Some are grieving. Some are overwhelmed by the pressure to make everything perfect. Others are navigating ...

Shopping local builds area

It seems like every day on the calendar has been dedicated to something. So, you like ice cream? You’ll want to make a special note of July 19 — that’s when National Ice Cream Day will be celebrated in 2026. What about hot dogs? That falls on the third Wednesday of July each year, so you can start planning now for July 15. Many favorite things in our lives have a couple of days set aside — National Pizza Day is set for Feb. 9, and National Pizza Day with Everything (Except Anchovies) is Nov. 12. And, depending on the listing you go by, National Hamburger Day will ...

Guest column/Steubenville’s place in America of Abraham Lincoln

On Market Street in Steubenville, history still looks back at you. The bronze figure of Edwin M. Stanton gazes across the valley he once called home. Born here in 1814, Stanton rose from the banks of the Ohio to the heart of Washington, where he became Abraham Lincoln’s secretary of war in 1862. His relentless drive and stern resolve kept the Union armies supplied and focused through the Civil War. When Lincoln died at Ford’s Theater, Stanton kept vigil and spoke words that still echo: “Now he belongs to the ages.” That voice, that iron resolve, had its roots here. But Stanton ...

Remember to give thanks for what you had

Well, we blinked. And already it is November. November. The month in which the leaves fall. The month in which the days shorten and darkness sets in before the 5 p.m. news. November. The time when we are tasked with the responsibility of making sure each and every decoration is hung just right, and with making sure every cookie is baked perfectly. With finding a gift for everyone on our list and hoping it is not one they want to return. We blinked. And already it is November. The Halloween candy is just about gone. Christmas is right around the corner. Porches have replaced ...